No decision yet on Keith Price, but Sarkisian 'encouraged' by Thursday practice

Steve Sarkisian said Keith Price's throwing ability is "vastly improved" from where it was Saturday, when Price "couldn't even basically put his shirt on."

But there are still hurdles to clear if Price, whose right shoulder was injured last week, is to play this week at Oregon State.

He threw during Thursday's practice, well enough for Sarkisian to say afterward that "I was encouraged that he was able to go out and throw the ball the way he did."

Sarkisian continued: "All of those decisions and everything that’ll come up with the trainers, our medical staff, myself, Keith and a lot of communication so that we put everything on the table and what the potential concerns are and how much better it can be between now and Saturday, and then what he feels like tomorrow or even later today after throwing a significant amount today."

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To recap: it sounds as if Price threw the ball well enough to play, but will be monitored to make sure his shoulder will allow him to do the same on Saturday.

Asked if that determination will be based solely on how Price feels -- presuming he proved Thursday that he can make the necessary throws -- Sarkisian said: "And then my decision, yes."

Asked if it's possible Price could be used in a backup role, Sarkisian said: "It’s all on the table, quite honestly. It’s all on the table. Again, when we get to that point, we’ll try to do what’s in the best interest of the program."

Christian Caple can be reached at christian.caple@thenewstribune.com. Twitter: @ChristianCaple